A POSSEE of environmental watchdogs at St Helens Council is trying to muffle burglar alarms, accidentally set off even when thieves are absent.

Noise complaints are still increasing on a year-by-year basis around the country, and the council are appealing for public co-operation to combat the growing problem of noise from burglar alarms.

Councillor Terry Hanley, Executive Member for Environmental Protection, says: "Some of these alarms can sound for days and nights on end causing considerable nuisance to neighbours. By following a few common sense rules the public and the companies who install alarms can help to minimise the nuisance".

Top tips to keep noise levels down include:

Within 48 hours of installing a new alarm system or of taking over an existing one, notify the local police station in writing of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least two keyholders. Information can be faxed to the police on 0151 777 6988.

Make sure keyholders are familiar with the alarm system, have telephones, and preferably transport, and are able to get to the alarm within 20 minutes.

Notify keyholder changes to the police within 24 hours.

Alarm installers should advise people of the need to notify the police and, if possible, supply blank notification forms.

Automatic cut-outs on alarms are recommended.

Further details are also available from the council's Environmental Health Section, Wesley House, Corporation Street, St.Helens, tel. 456338/456353.